Thursday, October 14, 2010

When Life Hands You Lemons...

Today is Billy's birthday!

He's smiling, witty, and making the best of it.  He's sporting a new look...not his first choice, but when the chemo started making his hair fall out, he decided he wanted to do something about it.  Some of the hospital staff brought up the idea of shaving.  "Do you know anyone you'd want to shave your hair?" they asked.  "Oh, my sister would love to do that!" he said (not knowing that I had never used an electric razor before).

We started on his hair on Tuesday evening.  Bobby had picked up a new electric razor from the Red Cross, and it was charged and ready to go.  It took a while to finish, but I think it turned out really well!  It's a new look for Billy--one he's never worn before.  But I think he looks good!  [Even if I do say so myself. :-)]

The whole process was a little bit of heaven for Billy, I think.  Ditching the hair felt great.  (I also took care of the beard.)  Then, I got one of those waterless shampoo caps, and my mom and I massaged his head.  He loved it!  We toweled him off, and then put lotion on.  The expression on his face said it all.

For a bit of camaraderie, Bobby decided to ditch his hair too.  Here's a new photo of the partners in crime...



Billy and Bobby

And here are all the siblings.  Me.  Four brothers.  And a new sister as of last summer (when Blair married Bobby).


Back, from left:  Chris, Bobby, Blair. Front, from left:  Michelle, Billy, Danny


You're welcome to post birthday comments for Billy.  He's been reading the blog, so he'll see them.  He's snoozing now...so we'll do birthday stuff later.  I can't fill you all in on the plans yet, because we're trying to keep some of them a surprise.  I'll share details later.

We're going to celebrate well today...but we have to be creative.  A birthday in the hospital is a new challenge.  And Billy is NPO...which means nothing by mouth.  (Well, he can drink water and eat jolly ranchers.)  But there are fun plans in place...and it should be a good day.

We keep hearing that Billy has defied the odds.  He was "septic" last Thursday, meaning that his infection was REALLY bad.  Many of the medical staff didn't expect that he'd make it through the weekend...but he did!  And he's doing really well.  He's on an "up"...

Now, we're on a pause, of sorts.  I want to write more now, but I've been attempting to get this finished all day...there's more to tell, but it's Billy's birthday.  I'll write more later.

Thanks for all of your prayers and support.  For the time being, please pray for the infection in Billy's left side.  It's spreading from his abdomen, down his leg.  Pray that his body would heal quickly, so that he doesn't need surgery.

47 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday Will! We are so glad to hear that you are having a good day today. You deserve it!

    ~The Wilks

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  2. Happy Birthday Billy! Enjoy your wonderful day!

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  3. Billy have a wonderful birthday. I've been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and have asked God to give you the ultimate present.

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  4. Happy Birthday, Will. We are all praying for you out here and hoping that you will soon be defeating this particular enemy and back with us in the outside world. We all love you and respect the fight in you.

    Hang Army TOUGH!!! Michael Patterson

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  5. Happy birthday, Will! Earlier this week I shared a post sending out birthday wishes to all October babies (all born in October). Now you are a special addition to that post. Sending not only birthday wishes your way, but many prayers too. Love and blessings.

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  6. Wishing you a blessed birthday where you feel the love of Christ wrap around you and hold you close. Praying for you though I do not know you, He does and that is all that matters.

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  7. Happy Birthday!! Love your new "do". You are a most wonderful family, and I feel blessed to be able to pray for you.

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  8. Billy - hey bro - I'm a friend of Michelle's and here that we are similar in many ways...which is an honor since you sound like an amazing guy. Wishing you a great birthday man!

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  9. Happy Birthday Will! Mike and I think about you often and we have been praying for you. We are so glad to hear that things are looking up a bit. Even though a hospital is not the best place to spend your birthday, Im so happy that youre surrounded by people who love you!
    Sending our best!
    The Mullins Family

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  10. Happy birthday, Will!! I am glad that you are having a good day today! As soon as I read this I called Lauren at work and told her the good news. I hope you have a wonderful birthday celebration with your family tonight! You have lots of prayers coming from Indiana!! We love you!!

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  11. Happy birthday, Billy! Your Texas family loves you and is praying for you!!!!

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  12. Happy Birthday Cooter!! Keep fighting this !!

    Kelsey is bringing over a big hug for you from us later today.

    Dayna and Brad (Kelsey's Mom and Dad)

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  13. Hey Billy - Happy happy Birthday!!!! You don't know us but please know that we are praying for you from Pennsylvania. May God bless you and your beautiful family. I want to thank you for your service and sacrifice for our beautiful country. I have a son on his way to Afghanistan so all of our Military are near and dear to me. p.s. Love the haircut - your sister did a great job!!!

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  14. To Billy: This is going to sound weird coming from someone who doesn't know you, but... I think I can say it without any reservations because I am a few thousand miles away and I am almost old enough to be your mother.
    You look hot with your new haircut in these photos.
    Happy Birthday.

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  15. Happy Birthday Wheel. All our love to you. We think of you everyday but especially on this day. I hope you have an amazing day with your family and friends that can be there and know that we are all thinking of you and sending you love! - Mike, Kris & Teyha DeForge

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  16. Hey Billy - I'm another who could be your mother, and I agree, you are one good look'n dude. Stay strong, keep fighting, I'm praying for you along with thousands...

    Happy Birthday -

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  17. Happy birthday Will! We are so extatic that you are feeling a little bit better. We all pray everyday for you and your family. Love. Mia and Ben hickman. And a happy birthday to mr uncle from melanie.

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  18. Happy Birthday Billy! I hope every day will be like your birthday and that you grow stronger with every passing day!

    Kat :)

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  19. Happy birthday Billy, I am Blair's stepmom, and been following your daily story. I have a huge group praying for you here in Colorado. We see God in your big and baby improvements. We still have complete faith that you will beat the odds of this thing. That is why they make odds. Enjoy your family all surrounding you with love.

    Take care,

    Joyce Morse

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  20. Hey DUDE,
    A very good friend of mine sent me to say Hi and Happy Birthday and to offer your situation before our Heavenly father, to provide strength, healing and comfort to you in this time of crisis. I have been where you are and even closer to the abyss than you are. And I am living proof that you can get through this thing. No matter how tough it seems, just never give up the good fight.

    I pray:

    My Father, Creator, My Sword and my Shield, make Your face to shine on this man. You are the Great healer and we know and believe that you are in control of this world and this situation is grieving to You as well as it is to us. And You have the power and the glory oh lord to restore him to a strength beyond that which others would marvel at when they hear of this healing. In Jesus name I ask.
    Amen.

    love always,
    Kurt

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  21. Hello Billy.

    I dont you but wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday and say I enjoyed the pics you have up here...

    Carole Whitley

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  22. My husband's name is Bill......and he is 16 years post liver transplant....they said he would never make it.......but God had other plans.
    I pray that you beat the odds as well.
    Happy Birthday, Billy!

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  23. Hey Billy!
    Happy Birthday Greetings from Nova Scotia!
    We are having some lovely Autumn weather here at the moment.Wishing you strength, perseverence, gratitude,love,healing and happiness xo
    Shelagh

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  24. Happy Birthday, Billy! I come to you from the mountains of east Tn.
    Keep fighting and loving and letting yourself be loved. They all go hand in hand...

    xo, misha

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  25. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILLY!!! WE LOVE YOU. YOU ARE SUCH A BRAVE AND HANDSOME MAN. YOU HAVE SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LOVING FAMILY. AND BILLY, LOVE YOUR NEW HAIR STYLE!!! VERY VIN DISEL LIKE (WHO I THINK IS SO SEXY!!!) ANYWAY, LOT'S OF PEOPLE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU. YOU ARE MY HERO!!!! YEAAAA BILLY!!! YOU ROCK!!!

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  26. Happy Birthday Will! I read your story on Three Petunias, and wanted to say I'm praying for you!

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  27. Birthday Wishes from someone who just stumbled upon your sister's blog. A friend wrote me and told me a little about your situation and that it was your birthday.

    I've just spent quite a bit of time here, reading over what's been going on with you since late summer. I'm so sorry to hear all that you're going through but at the same time, am uplifted by the wonderful show of love and support from your family and your friends.

    I live with a husband who has brain cancer. Seven years ago, he was given 6 months to live. He has defied the odds.

    And so might you.

    Take care and God bless.

    Kate Young

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  29. Wheel! Happy Birfday buddy. Keep that chin up and the enemy down. We are trying to set up a visit so we hope to see you soon big guy. You always have our love and prayers. We are not only asking God to lay upon you his hands of healing, but also his unmatched peace. May your mind stay strong and confident buddy. From your NY family, and with all of our love and attention, Tommy and Christin Daniels

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  30. Happy Birthday "McCotter Bohren"! Its good to see that you are able to enjoy your birthday a little under the circumstances. It doesn't surprise me the outpouring of love that you are getting. That shows what a WONDERFUL, HEARTFELT, WARM, LOVING, CARING person that you are to everyone. It seems like it runs in the family. Glad you are able to enjoy it with the ones you love. I and my family will keep you in prayer. Keep fighting like the fighter we know you are. GOD SPEED!!
    Keyonna Brinkley

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  31. Happy Birthday Billy! Birthday wishes from Ceredo, WV here, and I came over from "This Old House 2" blog to wish you many more! Get well soon, and I will keep you in my prayers!! God Bless!!

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  32. Happy birthday, Billy!!! I'm a friend of your sister's and read every blog entry here. I know you've been VERY well celebrated today, so I hope you've enjoyed all of it. I'm praying for you!

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  33. Happy birthday! Shaved heads are in!
    -Hilary, Michelle's friend (originally from the 81301, now in Texas)

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  34. Happy Birthday dear Will, keeping you in my prayers.

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  35. Happy Birthday Billy!!!!!! Praying blessings on you and your family. Keep fighting the fight and we will keep praying. God loves you more than you can ever imagine. Hope you had a great party. In Christ, Linda B(BVCOB)

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  36. Birthday joy to Billy and all. Love, Kevin and Lou Ann

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  37. Happy birthday mr uncle! Heres to staying on that"UP"...

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  38. Happy birthday, Billy (Will, Willy, William, Billiam, etc., etc.)! You have such a terrific family, I wish I could meet all of you in person and tell you how much inspiration they give us, as well as you! Hope you have a good day today, with lots of Jolly Ranchers! (How are they allowed if you're NPO???)

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  40. Happy Birthday Billy! I'm a friend of Michelle's from L.A, and we have been praying for you and reading blog updates since your diagnosis. Hope today is filled with really wonderful surprises (and it sounds like it will be. :-)

    God bless!
    Casey Taylor

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  41. Praying for you Billy. Happy birthday!

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  42. Billy - sending you warm and heartfelt birthday wishes from Lancaster, PA and all the folks here that are lifting you in prayer daily! It's an honor to celebrate this birthday with you...and the world-wide audience of people that love you dearly. - Sarah & Maurizio Sgro

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  43. Very happy birthday to you, a Libra. That is special and I know, so am I. We hold our values to a very high standard. I am an "old" high school friend of Kurt Keys and I saw his Facebook note today. So here is my extra-special wish for you!

    Love in human-hood, Debbie Reed

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  44. I saw this on a friend's blog. I am married to an apache pilot. I am praying hard for you, your framily and your speedy recovery! Happy Birthday!

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  45. Happy Birthday, Billy, from Richmond, KY! Our family has been praying for you daily. We hope that you had an amazing birthday with your wonderful family! Sergio, Susie, Josiah, Anna, and Domenico Sgro

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  46. Though I do not know you, I am a mother of two adult sons and I never tire of praying. I am wishing you a wonderful Birthday from east Texas. Just know how much you are loved by all of your family, friends and the prayer warriors keeping a constant line of prayer for you.

    Thank you for serving our country and I know God will bless you by giving you all that you need.

    Peace and love,
    Pam

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  47. Happy Birthday Billy! Like many others, we don't know each other, but I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and let you know that Hill AFB in UT is praying for you.

    Thank you.. for everything. Your service, your love and sharing your story with all of us.

    Love,
    Carol*

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